OLD BRIDGE — A raccoon, which was reportedly acting strangely and aggressively in the backyard of a residence in the vicinity of Matchaponix Road and Englishtown Road last week, tested positive for rabies, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
This is the fifth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County in 2016 and the second reported in Old Bridge.
On May 28, a resident reported a raccoon that was acting strangely and aggressively. The raccoon was killed in an altercation with the resident’s dogs and was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.
The two dogs at the residence have been placed on 45-day quarantines. The residents have been notified to consult a physician regarding potential post-exposure treatment. Additionally, Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ Registered Environmental Health Specialists will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to local health departments and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, make sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.
